Researchers examined the MRI of 41 subjects at the age of 18, and followed them until age 34.
For every 1 unit increase in scores of degenerative changes at age 18, there was a 5.5 fold increase in risk of back pain at age 34.
Conclusions
Spinal changes that predispose individuals to back pain begin early in life, and the best type of rehabilitation therapy is initiated proactively before pain ever becomes experienced.
References
Aavikko, A., Ristolainen, L., Kautiainen, H., Lohman, M., Schlenzka, D., & Lund, T. (2024). Relationship of disc degeneration after pubertal growth spurt to future low back pain: a longitudinal cohort study. European Spine Journal, 1-7.